Kühlmittelstrahlen

Kühlmittelstrahlen, also known as cryogenic blasting or dry ice blasting, is a cleaning process that utilizes small projectiles of solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) accelerated by a stream of compressed air. The dry ice particles, at temperatures of approximately -78.5 degrees Celsius (-109.3 degrees Fahrenheit), impact the surface to be cleaned. This extreme cold causes contaminants to become brittle and fracture. Simultaneously, upon impact, the dry ice sublimates directly from solid to gas, creating a rapid expansion in volume. This expansion helps to lift and dislodge the loosened debris from the surface without the use of water, solvents, or abrasive media.

The primary advantage of Kühlmittelstrahlen is its non-abrasive nature. Unlike traditional sandblasting or grit blasting, it does not erode or damage the underlying substrate, making it suitable for delicate surfaces and precision components. Furthermore, it is a dry process, meaning no residual moisture is left behind, which is critical for cleaning electrical equipment or in environments where water use is problematic. The sublimation of dry ice also leaves no secondary waste, as the carbon dioxide simply returns to the atmosphere.

Kühlmittelstrahlen finds applications across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, food processing, and manufacturing. It is effective for removing a wide range of contaminants such as grease, oil, paint, carbon deposits, mold, and industrial residues. The process is considered environmentally friendly and can be a more efficient and safer alternative to manual cleaning methods.